I have tried many thimbles, the one that works the best for me is the cheap metal thimble..... Go to your LQS and try out the different sizes. I have a couple that sit in my little holder..... some fit my finger when it's cold, some fit my finger when it's "normal" I've tried the leather thimbles & usually end up poking my finger through the leather before the quilt is finished. It's like all the rest of the quilting "rules" whatever works best for you IMHO